1. Year 4: Foundation International Baccalaureate (FIB) Programme
The Year 4 Foundation IB programme is a one year course aimed at preparing competent English language learners for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in the following two years.
Students do not sit the external IGCSE or O Level examinations at the end of the year but instead focus on building a strong academic foundation as preparation for the demanding Diploma years. They do, however, sit the school’s internal examinations and must pass the end of year examinations in order to progress to the IBDP.
Students are encouraged to join the FIB course at the beginning of the academic year in January in order to gain the most from the course. Some spaces are reserved for students to start in Term 2. Subject to spaces being available, students who have completed the IGCSE or similar programme may enrol in Term 3 as further preparation for the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) the following year.
ESOL students from a non-English speaking background with weaker academic English skills should apply for the Pre-IB Bridging programme. This is also a one year Year 4 programme but it focuses on developing English language skills in addition to developing competency in other subjects. Pre-IB students have usually completed a four year middle school programme whereas FIB students use the FIB course to complete their fourth year.
 Subjects Studied
Periods per Week
Comments
English 3
Mathematics 4
Science 6
Two of: Chemistry, Biology, Physics
Global Studies
Pre-Theory of Knowledge (Pre-ToK)
Creative Arts 2 PE 1
Innovation, Inquiry & Entrepreneurship (IIE) 25
IGCSE Subjects at ACS (International)
All students take a common course as per the table above. Students take two out of three Sciences. Singaporean students are required to take their Mother Tongue Language (MTL) and sit the O Level MTL examination. This subject is taken instead of Creative Arts and some of Pre-ToK. After the MTL examinations the students join the other subjects. Non-Singaporeans, and Singaporean students who have passed their MTL O Level examination, are exempt this language requirement.
This FIB programme enables students to choose from a range of subjects for the IB Diploma. IB Diploma students must take six subjects which include an English course, a second language, Mathematics, a Humanities subject and a Science subject. The sixth subject can be either a second Humanities, a second Science or Visual Arts, Music or Theatre. Three of the subjects are taken at an advanced Higher Level and three at Standard Level. The IB Core – the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) components complete the course of study. For more detailed information please see
Entry Requirements
Students completing Year 3 (Grade 9) or who have just missed IBDP entry from O Levels or IGCSE may apply. Applicants will be expected to write an admission test covering English, Mathematics & Science. Applicants must elect two of the three Sciences to be tested. The English & Mathematics tests are in one session whereas the Science test will be in the next session. There will also be an interview.
Students who have passed the IGCSE or O Level examinations (2 As, 2 Bs and 2Cs minimum) are guaranteed entry to the IB programme the following year, whereas the other FIB students must pass the school’s end of year FIB internal examinations.
FIB Costs
Fees are outlined in the Fee Schedule.
For further information please contact the school Admissions Department: